THE CONTEMPT OF COURTS ACT, 1926

ACT No XII OF 1926

An Act to define and            limit the powers of certain Courts in punishing contempt’s of courts.

WHEREAS doubts have arisen as to the powers of the High Court Division to punish contempt’s of Court;

And WHEREAS it is expedient to resolve these doubts and to define and limit the powers exercisable by The High Court Division in punishing contempt’s of court;

It is hereby enacted as follows:-

1.         (1)            This Act may be called the Contempt of Courts Act, 1926.

(2)            It extends the whole of Bangladesh.

(3)            It shall come into force on such date as the Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint.

2.         (1)            Subject to the provisions of sub-section (3),the Power of  High Court Division shall have and exercise the same  Jurisdiction, powers and authority, in accordance with the same procedure and practice, in respect of contempt’s  of  courts subordinate to it as it has and exercises in respect of contempt’s  of itself.

(2)            Omitted by Ordinance No XLV of 1959.  

(3)            The High Court Division shrill not take cognizance of a contempt alleged to have been committed in respect of Court subordinate to it where such contempt is an offence punishable under the Penal Code.

3.         Save as otherwise expressly provided by any law for the time being in force, a contempt of court may be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, which may extend to two thousand Taka, or with both:

Provided that the accused may be discharged or the punishment awarded may be remitted on apology being made to the satisfaction of the Court:

Provided further that notwithstanding anything else where contained in any law the High Court Division shall not impose a sentence in excess of that specified in this section for any contempt either in respect of itself or of a Court subordinate to it.